Where should you put an essential oil diffuser?

The truth is that there really isn’t a “perfect” place to put them. However, there are some basic guidelines that can help and will work for nearly everyone.

Essential oil diffuser placement tips

Although you can use them on a floor, placing them at least 2 feet above the floor is ideal, similar to humidifiers

Bedroom: Placing your diffuser a few feet from your bed is recommended. A minimum of 3 feet or so is good

Don’t put your diffuser where it will be constantly exposed to sunlight (Ex.: near a window)

Avoid placing it on top of or very close to wooden surfaces subject to moisture or water damage. A tray or other water-resistant cover underneath it can prevent problems from mist droplets or spilled water

A non-metallic, level surface is ideal. Do not place on carpet or similar surfaces that can become damp

For best results, place your diffuser closer to the center of the room or even to one side, where ever convenient (this is a “nice to have” recommendation and not essential)

As I mentioned above it’s definitely best to keep them away from wood surfaces (or use a material underneath them to protect the wood).

Based on my personal experience I can say it’s very easy to spill water during everyday maintenance & use. You also don’t want stray water falling on your favorite furniture.

It seems like every other time I refill my diffuser’s water tank some droplets get on my shelf.

Diagram – Basic ideas for where to put your diffuser

Shown: A simple diagram showing examples of where to put your aromatherapy (essential oil) diffuser. While it’s not “critical” to follow these by any means, they’re a good rule of thumb to follow. I recommend keeping your diffuser several feet from your bed on a good, flat surface above the floor. It should be a surface that won’t be harmed by water droplets or spills. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep the unit a few feet from your bed as well.

As shown in the diagram I’ve provided, here are some good basic rules of thumb for where to put your diffuser:

Out of direct sunlight such as near a window

Several feet from your bed or where you sleep (use 3 feet or more as a rule)

2 feet or more above the floor

Away from furniture or other items that can be affected by water

These are just the basics “at a glance.” Read on and I’ll add more detail as we go.

Should a diffuser be on the floor or a table?

You can put your diffuser on either a table or the floor. However, at least about 2 feet from the floor is best. Your essential oil diffuser’s vapor mist will distribute evenly within your room over time. Additionally, both they and I recommend you don’t use them alone without something to protect the surface from spills or water droplets.

That’s because as they work, humidifiers and diffusers create and output that doesn’t rise the same way as others. For best results therefore they need to be placed higher in the air.

If placing it on a shelf, desk, or some type of table, be sure it’s stable and not prone to accidents. You definitely don’t want anyone accidentally tipping yours over so be careful where you put it!

Protect against stray water

Much like humidifiers it’s best to use them with some type of tray or protective material underneath them. That way you’ll be sure to avoid problems from spilling water or water droplets produced by the output nozzle.

In my personal experience it really depends on the particular design and operation of the one you’ve bought. Some are messier than others when it comes how easy they are to spill and if they produce random water droplets that can fall on your furniture.

Use water-safe surfaces or protective material

As not everyone has a water-resistant table to use, find an item that’s water resistant to cover the area around your diffuser. Pick one that’s large enough to cover the area around it by about 1/2 feet to 1 feet in size as a rule.

Yes, you can use a diffuser on the floor if you need to. They’ll still work fairly well but not nearly as efficiently for filling your room with scent, so I would advise against it.

If at all possible raise them above the floor as I recommended above.

Either way, don’t use them on carpet. Carpet is notorious for allowing water to become trapped and build up over time, potentially leading to more problems.

Keep them out of direct sunlight

Don’t place your diffuser near a strong source of sunlight and heat like a window. Sunlight and warmth encourage algae and bacterial growth, a common problem found in containers of water. The best place is one that’s in a cool place without too much sunlight.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, don’t place your oil diffuser in direct sunlight such as near a window. Sunlight and warmth create a great breeding ground for the build up & growth of nasties such as algae and bacteria.

You definitely don’t want that!

Keeping it clean

Depending upon your water supply you may need to clean out your diffuser’s water tank occasionally. To do so, clean the water tank with a mixture of white vinegar and water using a soft cloth to wash the inside surfaces.

Don’t use detergent to clean it.

I get really good results using white vinegar (recommended by manufacturers) to clean not only my humidifiers but my aromatherapy diffuser too.

Will a diffuser keep you awake at night?

When it’s time for bed, sometimes it’s best to have your diffuser placed a bit further away from your bed. Although they won’t harm anything nearby (aside from wood surfaces I mentioned earlier), it’s better to put them where the vapor mist and aroma are distributed better. Also, some diffusers make a very small amount of noise. If you’re a very light sleeper (like me) that might be enough to wake you up.

Heavy sleepers aren’t going to have problems waking up when using their essential oil diffuser overnight. However, if you’re a light sleeper like I am it’s possible the occasional very slight bubbling and “gurgling” sound some make might interrupt your rest.

For example, my personal bedroom aromatherapy diffuser has a distinct electric motor sound I can hear if it’s too close. Additionally there’s a very slight bubbling effect I can hear.

Those noises are typical for smaller units but aren’t only found in small models. In fact it really depends on the brand and design – some make similar noises on a bigger scale just like humidifiers do.

My advice is to go ahead and place yours a few feet from your bed just to avoid issues.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are used in small machines powered by electricity to offer aromatherapy benefits. In other words, they release scented oils into a room by producing a super-fine water vapor containing the oil molecules. Essential oils are derived from the liquid form provided by many plants and fruits found in nature. A natural, scented pure oil is extracted and placed in small containers for diffuser use.

Essential oils are concentrated liquids taken from plants, fruits, and herbs found in nature. They’re extracted from a variety of herbs & plants with known benefits such as eucalyptus, lavender, orange, lime, cinnamon, myrrh, and many more.

The liquid is extracted by a process called distillation. The result is a product that’s able to easily evaporate at room temperature (also called hydrophobic).

Why are they called “essential” oils?

They’re called “essential” because they keep then natural essence (the natural properties and scent) of the plant they’re derived from. Unlike other oils you may have used before, they usually can evaporate without leaving a residue or oil behind.

Also, unlike many products you by they’re not simulated using chemicals or synthetic derivatives. They’re about as close as you can get to having the real plant source in your own room!

In most case we buy essential oils for aromatherapy in small vials made of glass or plastic. These oils are very efficient at making scents in a room. Normally only a few drops are needed each time.

While they’re not as cheap as some chemical-based scents you can buy, in reality they’re a really good deal! That’s because when you break down the cost vs the amount of use you get they’re still a good value.

How does an essential oil diffuser work?

Shown: A diagram showing how an essential oil diffuser works. Diffusers are a type of cool mist humidifier as they convert water stored in the holding tank into a fine water vapor that’s released into the air. By adding a few drops of oil to the water, the oil mixes with it and when released as water vapor it fills the room with a pleasant scent of your choice. Most sold today use an ultrasonic electronic device to convert water into vapor.

Essential oil diffusers work by using electricity to power a water vaporizer (also called a nebulizer) and turn water into a fine mist.

The mist rises into the air and carries evaporated essential oil with it.

Diffusers are a different type of cool mist humidifier as they work on the same principle: they turn water into a super-fine mist that rises into the air and fills a room. They’re different, however, in their features, style, mist production, and water capacity.

In fact they’re so similar that some cool mist humidifiers include an essential oil tray as an option.

Shown:As they work the same as diffusers, some cool mist humidifiers include an essential oil tray feature. Shown is the popular Everlasting Comfort large room humidifier which includes this neat little option.

Cool mist humidifiers vs essential oil diffusers

There are a few differences between the two, however. Here are a few to know:

Diffusers are available with a smaller water capacity and are more ideal for smaller rooms. Humidifiers often come with a much later water tank.

Essential oil diffusers are more likely to be offered with decorative features like LED night lights or accent lighting. Some also have a more stylish outward appearance (Unlike humidifiers which are more practical in design)

How to use essential oils with a diffuser

Diffusers are really easy to use & maintain! That’s one reason I’m such a big fan of them. Add oils by carefully placing a few drops (usually around 2-3 or so) into the water reservoir after filling it. The cover is then placed over it before turning the unit on. Once it starts working you should smell the scent very quickly.

The great thing about them (and one reason I recommend them to many people) is that they’re really easy to use and maintain.

To prepare an essential oil diffuser, water is poured into the diffuser’s cup or tank then a few drops (about 2-3 drops typically) of aromatherapy (essential) oil are added.

Since most oils are concentrated it doesn’t take much. They’re very efficient at adding a noticeable scent throughout a room.

Getting your diffuser started is simple

After filling it with the recommended amount of water and adding essential oil the cover is placed over the top,. The unit is then turned on and the diffuser begins working immediately.

Water moves through the nebulizer quickly and rises inside the cover, escaping silently through a small vent. At the same time the water supply is agitated a bit to help mix the oil with the water.

As it runs the result is a very fine mist that resembles the look of smoke. However, it’s just a harmless, cool water mist with a wonderful scent added.

Summary – Key points to remember

Diffuser placement summary

Just a quick recap: Here are the main rules of thumb you can remember for knowing where to place your essential oil diffuser:

Keep them out of direct sunlight such as near a window

A good idea is to place them several feet from your bed or where you sleep (use 3 feet or more as a rule)

It’s recommended to put them 2 feet or higher above the floor

Keep away from furniture or other items that are affected by water (or place on a tray or cover the surface)

Don’t use diffusers on carpet; If using on a floor, place on a tray or protective cover. Keep them where they won’t get knocked over

For convenience, be sure to keep them where they won’t get knocked over but are easy to reach for refills and use